As a fairly new member(bought the '93 Hymer 'A class' in Oct), i have been familiarizing myself with it. I have realized that I have a faulty leisure battery charger. It was probably an original item and is a German made Elektromatic LA110(12v 7A).
I discovered this, whilst trying to establish why my starter battery struggles sometimes after using radio/phone chargers etc.overnight.
What I have realized is that the alternator is charging the leisure battery ,my solar panel is topping up my leisure battery but no charge when engine stopped to starter battery This would also apply, when on hook-up, as i now know the battery charger is faulty).
I have been trawling for advice and and will be buying a 'sterling' maintainer BM12123 to allow trickle of excess to starter battery.
I would however like to know if i could use a 'smart charger' for maintaining leisure battery, whilst on hook -up. I have one that i use on my motor cycle battery, during the winter months.This would obviously be in direct replacement of faulty charger.
All advice appreciated.

Author: Jezport,

Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 8:37 pmPost subject:

Its a common problem for the electroblok charger to fail. You can search ebay and find a caravan repairer advertising replacent electroblok units. It may be worth you calling them.

Author: 747,

Location: Gateshead

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 9:14 pmPost subject:

I think a 93 van might not have the EBL system (but I could be wrong). A 7 amp charger is not much use anyway and I would change it for something better.

You should be able to fit another charger without any trouble. These days they are 'smart' chargers which are much better anyway. Some will also do a float charge to a second battery. If not, companies like CAK tanks sell gizmos that will split the charge to another battery. They cost around £20 (or less).

Author: Jezport,

Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 9:18 pmPost subject:

Its a common problem for the electroblok charger to fail. You can search ebay and find a caravan repairer advertising replacent electroblok units. It may be worth you calling them.

Author: vicdicdoc,

Location: Between Chester & Oswestry N.Wales

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 11:09 pmPost subject:

Yeah- but what he's asking is can he use a small stand alone battery charger for the vehicle battery.

(I carry one but never tried to use it . . . It's in one of the lockers-somewhere "just in case"

I'd like the definitive answer too if the answer is a no no I can shove it in the shed at home (along with the other stuff I thought would be useful !

Author: lunac,

Location: Sussex

Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 7:45 amPost subject: Dead battery charger

Thanks for the prompt replies,
I guess in some ways this is a difficult question to pose, as most members would have 'electronic control panels' in there vans? and therefore all is 'taken care of'?
However the charger that i was thinking of as a replacement is the 'Optimate 6' details of which can be found on this link.
It is only rated at 5amps(my original Shaudt Elektromatic LA110 is 7A).
The loss of 2amps would be a 'pay off' in respect of charge rate/time, which is possibly worth while, as seeing this product is so much more than a charger only and I would have it permanently connected
Now I could be 'barking up' the wrong tree here, but i guess that's why I am seeking your advice.
Will eventually be contacting Optimate, but would rather get your 1st hand knowledge, rather than some 'sales patter', either way I need to get a replacement.
Thanks for looking.